Album review: Pearl Earl, “Pearl Earl”

Available: Now via Dallas/Fort Worth-based Dreamy Life Records and finer independent purveyors of cassettes, compact discs, and vinyl records. Order now to secure one of the super-limited Hot Pink vinyl versions of the record that includes a digital download in various formats. After the Hot Pink records run out, 400 additional vinyl versions are available in standard black. If possible, as always, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD STORE(S), SO YOU CAN CONTINUE SHOPPING AT LOCAL, INDEPENDENT RECORD STORES.

Pearl Earl hail from the once- and still-thriving hotbed of independent music that is Denton, Texas, just 50 miles or so north of Dallas/Fort Worth. The all-female four-piece of Stefanie Lazcano (bass, backup vocals), Chelsey Danielle (synths, percussion), Ariel Hartley (guitar, lead vocals), and Bailey K. Chapman (drums, backup vocals) formed in late 2014 and released an EP titled “Karaoke Superstar” in 2015, which was nominated “Best EP” in the Dallas Observer Music Awards.

This, their self-titled full-length, finely hones their take on DIY, fuzzy surf-inspired indie rock and was recorded at Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer John Congleton’s (lead singer of legendary indie outfit The Paper Chase) Elmwood Recordings with Alex Bhore (drummer, This Will Destroy You) and Brack Cantrell. At just under 40 minutes in length, the record shifts tempo and style with ease, but never in a manner that strays too far from its center as fun rock album. Keeping tabs on their trajectory as a band will be a gas to follow, and hopefully, forthcoming tours bring them to, or near, the Southwest.

Recommended for fans of La Luz, The Kills, Shana Cleveland and the Sandcastles, Chastity Belt, Dum Dum Girls, or Shannon and the Clams.